Newly Ordained with Bishop Etienne; Rev. Bob Rodgers (left) & Rev. Brian Hess (right)
While yesterday’s ordination is still vivid and fresh in memory, I wish to share a few thoughts. The Cathedral has been full in my time as bishop for numerous other joyful celebrations, but this standing room only congregation came to celebrate like none I have witness before. Clearly, the local church, with the home parishes of each ordinand well represented, came to give thanks to God for the gift of these two new priests. The cathedral has known good liturgy and good music, but the liturgy for this celebration was elevated to a new level.
Promise of respect and obedience to the bishop and his successors.
Acknowledging the unique joy of the celebration, and the pointed need for priests in the Church today, I shared with the parents of one of the newly ordained at the reception following Mass: “Why would anyone not want to know and live God’s will in their life after witnessing this ordination ceremony?”
I was very pleased to see the number of young adults that came to the Mass. I was also impressed with the caliber of young men the priests and deacons brought to the cookout and Holy Hour the evening before the ordination. I have no doubt God is calling young men of our time and of our diocese to enter the seminary and prepare for the priesthood. Yesterday’s ordinations revealed once again the beauty of priesthood as well as the love and respect the People of God have for their priests.
I believe the incredible turn out not only reveals a love many people have for these two new priests, but I believe it also speaks to the deep longing held by the People of God for holy priests; that our priests lead them to God.
Prostration during the Litany of the Saints, symbolizes a complete ‘handing over’ of one’s life in service to God and the Church.
From the very beginning of the ceremony, processing in to a packed church, throughout, my heart was filled with gratitude to God for sending two new, young priests for service in the Diocese of Cheyenne. As these two young men begin their life as priests, I cannot help but be reminded of the incredible Providence and Goodness of our God.
Let us pray for Fr. Bob and Fr. Brian. Let us pray for all of our priests, that God may bless them to be the priests God wants and needs them to be for all of us. Let us also continue to beseech the Lord regularly and earnestly for more humble yet ardent servants of the altar, to serve the People of God as priests.
Let us pray for each other, that we will all continually grow in holiness. May all of our young Church discover God’s will, and be only and always “Yes” to God!
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